With waterfowl hunting season open, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is asking hunters and the public in general to be aware of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and report sightings of sick or dead birds.
HPAI is highly infectious and often deadly in wild birds and domestic poultry. Just this year, millions of chickens and turkeys have had to be culled on commercial farms in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota and Montana after outbreaks of avian flu through exposure to wild birds.
Infected birds spread the virus through their saliva, mucus and feces. Symptoms of HPAI in infected birds include incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, swimming in circles and head tremors.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife monitors for HPAI by testing live and dead birds, including birds harvested by hunters.
The department asks hunters and the public to help with the department's HPAI surveillance efforts by reporting sick or dead waterfowl, raptors including hawks and eagles, vultures, or groups of 5 or more dead birds by calling 1-800-858-1549.
(AP Photo Ariel Schalit)
